Altrincham have signed goalkeeper Harry Isted on a short-term deal to cover for the injured Owen Evans. The 29-year-old is available immediately and will wear the number 34 shirt.
Manager Neil Gibson moved to bring in Isted after first-choice keeper Evans suffered an injury that will keep him out for the next few months. Goalkeeper-coach Andy Firth has deputised in the last three games, but the club felt asking him to play week in, week out for an extended period while also performing his primary coaching role was unsustainable.
"A special mention for Andy Firth, who's played very well in recent games, deputising for Owen Evans," Gibson said. "Andy's a very good goalie at this level, but his role is very much as goalkeeper coach first and foremost."
Isted's experience
Isted brings recent National League experience, having made 30 appearances for Forest Green Rovers last season as they reached the play-offs. He has also had spells at Luton Town, Charlton Athletic and Stoke City. At Charlton, he played alongside current Altrincham winger Charlie Kirk, and he was at Stoke with defender Lewis Banks.
His arrival comes as Altrincham aim to maintain their strong form, which has seen them win six of their last seven games to climb to eighth in the National League with 18 points. The signing is designed to provide stability ahead of a busy schedule, with the next fixture a trip to face 24th-placed Gateshead on Tuesday. The full run of upcoming games is on our fixtures page.
"I'm really pleased to have signed for Alty," Isted said.
The club's board supported the move, which strengthens the squad as they look to extend a three-game winning streak that includes a -0 victory over AFC Hornchurch last time out. Isted will join the group for training ahead of the Gateshead match, where he will be part of the matchday squad. Check the latest team news and the full squad list for updates.
The original report is at Altrincham Football Club
